The community ride to obliterate cancer is returning to Seattle

Obliteride supporters are asked to ‘go orange’ in solidarity to end cancer

SEATTLE – March 26, 2014– Obliteride participants will enjoy an epic experience and a scenic ride as they pedal through the Puget Sound area this summer while raising critical funds to help Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center obliterate cancer. All-new routes for the 25-, 50-, 100- and 150-mile rides have just been released. This year’s event will also include a 1-mile route for kids, so the whole family can get in on the fun. The routes are designed so everyone, from beginners to experienced cyclists, can do their part to help end cancer Aug. 8-10, 2014.

Caption: Obliteride 2013 Start

Photo credit: Fred Hutch file

Sadly, cancer touches everyone. Half of all men and a third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetimes. “Together as a community we can fight back,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “We’re so fortunate to have Fred Hutch right here in our backyard. Giving to local research is the best investment you can make because it helps ensure when someone you know gets cancer, they’ll have the best doctors, researchers and care available right here.”

In its inaugural year, Obliteride 2013 raised nearly $2 million for lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. With the community’s help, organizers expect to raise even more this year. Together we can make a real difference. Thanks to our generous sponsors, including University Village, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research that improves cancer care in our community and has far-reaching impacts around the world.

Obliteride is not just a bike ride. “It’s an entire weekend celebrating and riding with a community of people focused on ending cancer,” said Lavin. “It’s a buzz from the kick-off party Friday evening at Gas Works Park to the closing festivities Sunday at Magnuson Park.”

Buildings and landmarks around Puget Sound will light up orange in April as a sign of solidarity in the fight to end cancer. The Pacific Science Center arches, The Great Wheel, Union Square and Zymogenetics are just some of the structures turning Obliteride orange. Supporters are encouraged to ”go orange” in April to show their commitment to ending cancer. Go to obliteride.org/community for fun ways to get involved.

ABOUT OBLITERIDE

Obliteride is a community that cares fiercely about ending cancer. We connect over the impact cancer is having on our lives and our intense commitment to find better treatments and ultimately eliminate it. We believe that together we can make a difference. Together we can end cancer. Join the movement to obliterate cancer. It’s fun, focused and full of energy! 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. Obliteride 2014 is Aug. 8-10. Learn more at www.obliteride.org.

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At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first and largest cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Private contributions are essential for enabling Fred Hutch scientists to explore novel research opportunities that lead to important medical breakthroughs. For more information visit www.fredhutch.org or follow Fred Hutch on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.